Academic Policies and Regulation

The University’s Academic majors for undergraduates are offered through four schools – the College of Arts and Sciences, the Kania School of Management, the Panuska College of Professional Studies, and the College of Graduate and Continuing Education, which offers programs for adult and non-traditional students. The schools share a common General Education program and offer baccalaureate degrees in 60 fields.

Academic Honor Societies

National Honor Societies that are represented at The University of Scranton are listed below in order of the foundation of the local chapters.

* Indicates member of the Association of College Honor Societies

Alpha Sigma Nu*

The National Jesuit Honor Society was founded in 1915 with chapters in 30 Jesuit universities throughout the United States. The Scranton chapter was founded in 1943, the oldest Honor Society in the University. It is the only Honor Society open to students and faculty in all disciplines and all colleges of the University. Its admission standards are the most rigorous. The Greek letters signify adelphotes skolastikon nikephoron – brotherhood of honor students. Juniors and seniors who have distinguished themselves in scholarship, loyalty and service are eligible for membership. Appointment is made by the president of the University on the recommendation of the moderator and nomination by chapter members of the Society. The Society annually presents the Alpha Sigma Nu University award for teaching.

Phi Alpha Theta*

International Honor Society in history founded in 1921. Basic requirements: 12 credits in history; grade point average of 3.33 in history and overall ranking in top 35% of class. The Mu Rho chapter was established at the University in 1967.

Sigma Xi

International Honor Society in scientific research founded in 1886. The University’s chapter was chartered in 1968 and has been authorized since 1979 to induct as associate members undergraduate or graduate students showing outstanding promise in original research.

Sigma Pi Sigma*

National Honor Society in physics for undergraduate and graduate students, founded in 1921. Its chapters are restricted to colleges and universities of recognized standing which offer a strong physics major. The University’s chapter was founded in February 1969.

Omicron Delta Epsilon*

International Honor Society in economics. Basic requirements: 12 credit hours in economics with an overall grade point average of 3.0 and a 3.0 average in economics. The University’s Xi chapter of Pennsylvania was founded in May 1969.

Psi Chi*

Internationall Honor Society in psychology founded in 1937. This organization has chapters in 1,213 colleges and universities in all 50 states. The University’s chapter was installed in May 1969. Minimum qualifications include a major or minor in psychology, rank in the top 35th percentile in general scholarship, and superior scholarship in psychology.

Phi Delta Kappa

International professional fraternity for men and women in education. Membership is limited to graduate students and teachers. The University’s chapter was founded in 1970.

Pi Gamma Mu*

International Honor Society in social science. Founded in 1924 to improve scholarship in the social sciences and to encourage interdisciplinary study. Basic requirements: at least 60 hours of academic work, an overall grade point average of at least 3.4, with at least 21 hours in the disciplines of economics, human services, psychology, sociology, political science or history. The University’s chapter was founded in 1971.

Alpha Sigma Lambda

National Honor Society to encourage scholarship and leadership among adult students in continuing higher education. The Alpha Upsilon chapter was installed at the University in 1969.

Pi Mu Epsilon

National Honor Society for mathematics majors in junior or senior year with an overall grade point average of 3.33 and a 3.50 average in mathematics. Biomathematics majors who meet the criteria can be nominated with an unsolicited recommendation from full-time mathematics faculty. The University’s chapter was installed in February 1973.

Alpha Mu Gamma

National Honor Society for students of foreign languages, founded in 1931. The Greek letters signify amphi mouse glosson: for the muse of languages. The University’s chapter of Theta Iota was installed in May 1973.

Phi Lamda Upsilon

National Honorary Chemical Society established in 1899. The University’s Beta Kappa chapter, one of 60 chapters nationwide, was installed in October 1975. For students with 24 credits in chemistry and a 3.0 grade point average.

Alpha Epsilon Delta*

The national Health Preprofessional Honor Society founded in 1926. The University’s Iota Chapter was installed in May 1976. Membership is open to students who have completed at least three semesters of pre-professional health work, have a minimum GPA of 3.2, and a science GPA of 3.2.

Theta Alpha Kappa*

National Honor Society in theology and religious studies founded in 1976 at Manhattan College. The University’s Alpha Nu chapter was installed in April 1980. Membership requires 12 credits in theology with an average of 3.5 and an overall grade point average of 3.0.

Sigma Tau Delta*

National Honor Society in English founded in 1924. This organization is for students who major or minor in English, theatre or secondary education/English with a grade point average of 3.4 or better in English, theatre and writing courses and an overall grade point average of 3.4 or better. The University’s Mu Omicron chapter first met in April 1980.

Alpha Epsilon Alpha

An Honor Society founded in 1980 at The University of Scranton by Fr. Joseph Hamernick, S.J., to recognize students who excel in their general studies and especially in the field of communication. For senior-level communication majors with at least a 3.5 grade point average overall and in the major, and are in the top 10 percent of the senior class.

Alpha Kappa Delta*

International Honor Society for sociology students founded in 1920. Requirements include at least junior (third year) status and 12 credits in sociology with a grade point average of 3.0 both in sociology and overall. Students must also be in the top 35 percent of their class in general scholarship. The University’s Upsilon chapter was founded in May 1980.

Pi Sigma Alpha*

National Honor Society in political science founded in 1920. The Kappa Iota chapter at the University was installed in May 1980. Membership is limited to juniors and seniors with at least 18 credits (six courses) in political science, a grade point average of at least 3.4 in these courses, and overall rank in the top third of the class.

Alpha Phi Sigma*

The National Honor Society for criminal justice, founded in 1942. The University’s Epsilon Zeta chapter was installed in May 1982. Candidates must be a junior or senior having a criminal justice major or minor; complete at least four (4) criminal justice courses; maintain a 3.2 grade point average overall, as well as in criminal justice; and have class standing in the top 35%.

Phi Sigma Tau*

National Honor Society for students of philosophy. The University’s Tau chapter was installed in May 1982. Membership requires a major or minor in philosophy as well as excellence in philosophy, in both scholarly and extra-curricular activities. Induction is based on nomination and voting results of philosophy faculty and current members of the society.

Omega Beta Sigma

The Women’s Business Honor Society, founded in 1982 at The University of Scranton by Deborah J. Gougeon, Ph.D., to recognize academic excellence in students in business. Students must have at least a sophomore standing, a major or minor in some area of business, and an overall grade point average of 3.25.

Upsilon Pi Epsilon

The first and only existing International Honor Society in the Computing and Information Disciplines, founded in 1967, and endorsed by both of the corresponding professional organizations, the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the IEEE Computer Society (IEEE-CS).

The mission of UPE is to recognize academic excellence at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in the Computing and Information Disciplines. It is the expressed purpose of Upsilon Pi Epsilon to promote the computing sciences and to encourage its contribution to the enhancement of knowledge.

The University’s Gamma Chapter was founded in 1985 and now numbers nearly 300 members. Information, including eligibility requirements, may be found at www.cs.scranton.edu/~upe.

Sigma Theta Tau*

International Honor Society of Nursing founded in 1922. The University’s Iota Omega Chapter was chartered in April 1988. Membership is by invitation to baccalaureate and graduate nursing students who demonstrate academic excellence in the scholarship and practice of professional nursing. Qualified candidates have demonstrated outstanding ability in nursing, and rank in the upper one-third of the class. This prestigious organization of leaders, scholars and researchers comprises a global community of nurses who lead in using knowledge, scholarship, service and learning to improve the health of the world’s people.

Kappa Delta Pi

International Honor Society for education established in 1911. The Sigma Chi chapter was installed at The University of Scranton in 1992. It joins more than 500 chapters around the world in fidelity to four cherished ideals: Humanity, Science, Service and Toil.

Beta Beta Beta

National Honor Society for biology founded in 1922. The University’s chapter, established in 1994, is one of more than 520 chapters in the United States and Puerto Rico. The society encourages undergraduate biological research through presentations at conventions, publication in the journal BIOS, and research/travel grants. All undergraduate students interested in biology may join as associate members. A regular member must be of sophomore or higher status with a 3.0 grade point average in biology and having completed at least three biology courses (one upper level) and in good academic standing at the University.

Beta Gamma Sigma*

Beta Gamma Sigma is the only business honor society recognized by AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. To be eligible for membership, the academic ranking of those being considered must place them in the upper 7% of the junior class, upper 10% of the senior class or upper 20% of the graduating master’s class. The University’s chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma was chartered in spring 1997.

Lambda Pi Eta*

The National Honor Society for communication majors was founded in 1985 to honor and encourage high levels of scholarship and leadership in the field of communications. The University’s chapter was installed in 1999. Membership in The University of Scranton’s chapter requires senior-level communication majors to have earned a GPA of at least 3.25, overall and in their major, and are in top 35 percent of the senior class.

Alpha Lambda Delta

The National Honor Society of freshmen, founded in 1924 to honor excellent academic achievement by students in the first year of study. The Richard H. Passon Chapter was installed at the University in March 2001. Membership requires enrollment as a full-time student in a degree program, a grade point average of 3.5 or above at the end of the first semester of the freshman year, and a rank in the top 20% of the class.

Upsilon Phi Delta

The Upsilon Phi Delta Honor Society was founded in 1999 and established at The University of Scranton in 2002. This national organization recognizes graduate and undergraduate students in the health administration programs. Students must have a minimum overall grade point average of 3.5.

Phi Epsilon Kappa

National Honor Society for persons engaged in, or pursuing careers in exercise science, physical education, health, recreation, dance, human performance, sports medicine and sports management. PEK was founded in 1913, and the University’s chapter, Zeta Gamma, was chartered in May 2004 and recognizes exercise science majors in their junior year. Students must have an overall minimum grade point average of 3.3, and a 3.5 average in exercise science courses.

Nu Rho Psi

The National Honor Society for neuroscience was founded in 2007. The Alpha chapter was established at the University in 2006. For membership, students must have a demonstrated interest in neuroscience, an overall minimum grade point average of 3.2, and a 3.5 average in neuroscience-related courses.

Academic Support Services

Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Memorial Library

Opened in 1992, the holdings of this 80,000-square-foot, five-story building include 502,743 volumes of books, bound journals and microfilm, and 39,401 full-text online and print journals. The library conducts an extensive information literacy program to orient and instruct students on resources and research techniques. A tour of the building and its services is available online at www.scranton.edu/librarytour. The facility includes the following special features:

• group-study rooms and quiet study areas;
• two 24-hour, computer-equipped study spaces, one with a Java City coffee bar;
• fifth-floor reading room (Scranton Heritage Room) overlooking the campus and community;
• University Archives and Special Collections, which houses University historical records, rare books, faculty publications and other special collections; and
• a Media and EdLab Resources Collection that holds 16,423 non-print items.

Databases and Online Catalogs

The library offers 147 databases via the World Wide Web. For a list of databases, go to “A-Z List of Databases” from the library’s home page, or from the Library tab on the my.scranton.edu page. A proxy server gives authorized users remote access to these databases. In addition to books the library owns, Pennsylvania Academic Libraries Consortium Inc. (PALCI) E-Z Borrow, a direct borrowing program, provides access to 50 academic library collections. With PALCI members, the library also shares 1,900 full-text books that users can read or borrow online. E-Z Borrow’s Rapid participation provides quick document delivery. Some required readings for courses are available through ERES, an electronic reserve reading database over the Internet. Through Access PA, an additional 15,566 full-text books are available online. The library’s digital collection is available at http://academic.scranton.edu/department/wml/digicoll.html.

Library Technology

There are 83 Internet workstations in the library, including 45 machines available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the Pro Deo and 24-hour study rooms. Wireless connection to the Internet is available throughout the building via laptops. Fifteen laptops are available at the circulation desk. In addition to these machines, students may use ResNet ports to plug personal laptops into the network in the first floor Pro Deo Room and group study rooms. Users can consult librarians via “Ask a Librarian” e-mail, Instant Messaging or live chat, to consult with a librarian from the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) and Tutor.com.

Library Hours

Library hours are posted on campus, on the Internet, and on a recording which can be heard at (570) 941-7525. It is open 95.5 hours per week, with extended hours during exam periods.

For information about the library, its services, and resources, see the Weinberg Memorial Library homepage on the World Wide Web (www.scranton.edu/library) or select the Library from the University’s homepage (www.scranton.edu).

Academic Advising Centers

College of Arts and Sciences

The CAS Academic Advising Center, located in St. Thomas Hall 309, serves all freshmen in the College of Arts and Sciences. Staffed by professional advisors and by faculty advisors from a wide variety of disciplines, the Academic Advising Center offers a comprehensive program of academic advising throughout the freshman year. Advisors are available to students from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. They provide assistance with orientation, registration, drop-add, general education course selection, declaration and change of major, and assessment of academic performance and goals.

Upon achieving sophomore status, all CAS students with declared majors are assigned a faculty advisor in the department of their major.

College of Graduate and Continuing Education

See College of Graduate and Continuing Education .

Kania School of Management

The KSOM Academic Advising Center, located in Brennan Hall Suite 206, serves all students in the Kania School of Management. Staff advisors are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, to provide assistance with registration, major and general education course selection, and assessment of academic performance and goals. The Advising Center works closely with other campus resources to provide comprehensive advising services.

Panuska College of Professional Studies

The PCPS Academic Advising Center, located on the first floor of McGurrin Hall, serves all students in the Panuska College of Professional Studies. Staff are available throughout the year, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to provide individual assistance with academic advising, registration, assessment of academic performance and career goals. The Advising Center also works closely with other campus resources to provide comprehensive advisement opportunities. Faculty mentors are available to students within their academic departments.

Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence

The mission of the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE), located on the fifth floor of St. Thomas Hall in the Harper-McGuiness Wing, is to provide academic support services for students and opportunities for faculty to enhance teaching and learning. The CTLE offers services to assist students in achieving academic success. The CTLE provides programs and services to help students meet their academic and future professional goals by enhancing their reading, writing and learning skills. Services offered include a reading center, writing center and peer tutoring in all academic courses. Students may also work with the CTLE staff in learning how to use instructional technology to enhance learning. Workshops are offered in the area of time management, learning styles and other skills that students may need.

Students with disabilities who are registered receive academic support services such as extended test-taking time, note taking and other accommodations through the CTLE. The CTLE also offers opportunities for faculty in the area of mentoring programs, enhancement of pedagogy, and the use of technology to support teaching and learning on the campus. A variety of workshops, seminars and one-on-one consultations are available to University faculty.

The goal of the CTLE is to encourage and actively support a strong culture of scholarship for a diverse university community. To learn more about the CTLE’s programs and services for students and faculty, visit our Web site at www.scranton.edu/ctle or call (570) 941-4038.

Office of the Registrar

As part of the Academic Affairs Division, the Office of the Registrar supports the educational mission of the University by connecting students to the faculty, curriculum and classroom via the course scheduling and registration processes. The Registrar also documents and validates the product of this dynamic connection in the form of schedules, rosters, grades, degree audits, transcripts and diplomas.

The Registrar’s office serves students on a daily basis by answering questions, issuing transcripts, certifying enrollment status, and distributing forms and schedules. In addition, students may obtain information about academic policies and procedures, and important dates and deadlines.

The office promulgates the master schedule of courses for each academic year, conducts registration, processes grades, certifies degree eligibility and manages several aspects of commencement.

Course registration for returning students is conducted in April for the subsequent summer and fall, and in November for the subsequent spring and intersession through the University’s my.scranton.edu intranet portal and the University Information System (UIS) on the World Wide Web. The my.scranton.edu portal also provides secure links to academic records, registration options, student class schedules, address information, tuition accounts and financial aid information. Midterm and final grades are also available in UIS through my.scranton.edu.

Located in St. Thomas Hall 301, the Office of the Registrar is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (570) 941-7721 or e-mail registrar@scranton.edu. Additional information and resources (including the academic calendar, course schedules, registration information and student grade point average calculator) are available online at www.scranton.edu/registrar.

Academic Policies and Regulations

Academic Code of Honesty

Students have responsibility for governing their own conduct in compliance with the Academic Code of Honesty, which addresses behavioral integrity in the academic work of the University. Conduct that violates the Code includes plagiarism, duplicate submission of the same work, collusion, providing false information, unauthorized use of computers, theft and destruction of property, and unauthorized possession of tests and other materials. Steps taken in response to suspected violations may include a discussion with the instructor, an informal meeting with the dean of the college and a hearing before the Academic Dishonesty Hearing Board. Students who are found to have violated the Code will ordinarily be assigned the grade F by the instructor and may face other sanctions. The complete Academic Code of Honesty is available in the deans’ offices, in the Student Handbook and on the web at www.scranton.edu/student_handbook.

General Regulations

Ordinarily, all entering students – both freshmen and transfer students – are held to the requirements in the catalog of the year in which they enter.

The University reserves the right to change any of the policies, rules, and regulations in this catalog. All such changes are effective at such times as the proper authorities determine and may apply not only to prospective students but also to those who are already matriculated in the University. Curricular changes, however, shall not become effective until published in the catalog unless specifically approved for an earlier implementation date by the appropriate body. If a change is approved for implementation prior to its publication in a catalog, the appropriate school, academic department, or program shall inform all students affected by the change. Students can appeal issues related to the application of policies, rules, and requirements, including changes thereto, to the dean of their college.

The University reserves the right to take appropriate disciplinary action in the case of any student who conducts himself or herself in a manner that is contrary to the standards of the University. These standards (particularly in the area of academic integrity) are given clear expression in the University’s Academic Code of Honesty published in the faculty and student handbooks of the University. The University also reserves the right to modify admissions requirements, to change tuition and fee charges, and to change the semester schedule of courses.

Degree Requirements

All students beginning the first term of their undergraduate degree/certificate program (matriculating) at The University of Scranton in the 2011-12 academic year are thereafter governed by the curricular policies stated in this catalog. Requirements for majors are those in effect when a major is formally declared and approved. First-year students admitted in 2011-12 will follow the general education requirements of this catalog unless a change is subsequently promulgated.

A degree represents the successful completion of the entire undergraduate curriculum, including general education requirements, cognates, basic skills courses and electives, as well as major requirements. Students graduating with multiple majors receive a single degree.

In order to earn a bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton students must:

• complete all the courses prescribed in the curriculum table of the major;
• complete at least 63 credits at The University of Scranton, including the last 30 credits of their degree program;
• earn a minimum 2.00 overall grade point average; and
• remove all failures in required courses. (See “Graduation Procedures and Commencement” for additional information.)

In cases where students do not maintain a 2.00 grade point average in required courses, their respective dean may take one of the following actions:

• place the student in a goal attainment semester for students determined to raise the grade point average and remain in the major;
• place the student in an exploratory semester for students wanting to explore possible new majors; or
• grant permission to change to a new major if the department of the new major approves the requested change.

In all cases, students must either meet the standard in the original major or change to a new major within two semesters (in the case of part-time students, within 30 credits). Students who remain in the “Goal Attainment” and/or “Exploratory” semester programs for more than two semesters will be subject to dismissal by their dean.

Number of Hours in a Semester and Special Terms

The University of Scranton constructs its academic calendar in compliance with the minimum standards for class meeting time established by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education.

The current Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education guidelines establish that a credit hour shall consist of 14 hours of classroom instruction per semester or term, exclusive of registration, final examinations and holidays. For alternative instructional and delivery modes such as laboratory instruction, independent study, readers, thesis, clinical and practicum experience, telecommunication and Web instruction, and special off-campus initiatives, a credit hour shall represent an instructional unit equivalent to a minimum of 14 hours of classroom instruction, exclusive of registration, final examinations and holidays.

A semester shall consist of 14 weeks of instruction exclusive of registration, final examinations and holidays. A special or compressed term shall meet a number of hours per credit equivalent to a semester but in a compressed or extended timeframe, as determined by the Registrar in consultation with the Provost.

Communication of Information: Statement on the Expected Student Use of The University of Scranton E-mail Account

When students are admitted to The University of Scranton, a University e-mail account is created for them. All electronic communication from the University is directed exclusively to the University’s electronic mailbox. Students are expected to access their University e-mail account on a weekly basis; however, daily access is recommended to stay abreast of important, time-sensitive information. University departments and faculty routinely will use email to communicate important campus, academic program and course information.

Information on how to access the network and e-mail is regularly distributed to new students by the Information Resources Department. For more information on how to access your University of Scranton e-mail account, visit the Information Resources Web site at http://matrix.scranton.edu/informationresources/irpolicies.asp. If you encounter problems accessing your e-mail, contact the Technology Support Center at (570) 941-4357.

Course Numbering System

Courses appearing in this catalog are numbered according to the system described below. The first digit of any course number indicates the level of the course; the second and third digits specify categories of courses. Levels at which courses are offered include the following:

In cases where no specific prerequisite is listed in the course description, courses at the 300 or 400 level assume junior or senior standing and appropriate background in the discipline of the course.

Categories in which courses are offered are indicated according to the following system:

Labs are indicated by an (L) following the number of the corresponding lecture courses. Courses in the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Program are indicated by a (J) following the course number; those in the Honors Program are indicated by an (H) following the course number.

Course Schedule Changes

Dropping and Adding Courses

Students may add courses anytime between the initial registration period and the fifth class-day from the start of a fall or spring semester or the second class day of intersession and summer terms. Students who wish to drop one or more courses, but who plan to continue attendance in at least one other course during the term, need to secure their dean’s permission. A dropped course is not reflected on a student’s transcript. The last day to drop a course is usually the thirty-first calendar day of a semester and the fourth calendar day of intersession and summer terms; specific dates are published in the official University academic calendar. A refund schedule for dropped courses applies to students paying on a per-credit basis or completely withdrawing from the University. Under this schedule, the last day for 100% tuition refund is usually the tenth calendar day from the first day of classes or semester and the second calendar day from the first day of classes for shorter terms; the refund schedule dates are published in the University’s academic calendar.

Withdrawal from a Course

After the period to drop a course without having it reflected on the transcript, students may still withdraw from a course until the published deadline and receive a W grade on their transcript. In all cases, students should first discuss the matter with the course instructor.

Students who wish to withdraw from one or more courses, but who plan to continue to attend at least one course for the term, need to have a Schedule Change Form signed by their instructor and dean. Students who wish to withdraw from their last course(s) must submit the Complete Withdrawal/Leave of Absence Form. In either case, the forms are available through the Registrar’s Office, the academic advising centers, academic department chairpersons’ offices, and the College of Graduate and Continuing Education. The completed forms must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office or, in the case of adult undergraduate students, to the College of Graduate and Continuing Education by the withdrawal deadline as indicated in The University academic calendar. This deadline is approximately 30 days before the last class day for the semester and a proportionate period of time for a short session. Failure to withdraw officially from a course will result in a failing grade.

Courses Taken as Readers and Independent Studies

The purpose of reader and independent study courses is to enable University of Scranton students in good academic and disciplinary standing to pursue a course of study that meets one of the following descriptions.

Readers are study experiences that replicate courses listed in the catalog and are offered to one or, less frequently, two students. These offerings are limited to meeting acute student programmatic need, as identified and accepted by the dean, and are not meant to be offered routinely. These courses are designated with the actual course number appearing in the undergraduate catalog.

Independent Studies, experiences provided to academically successful students, are specially designed learning experiences and are not offered in the normal course listing. These experiences may be non-honors courses that, like honors tutorials, are based on a set of readings, discussions, and writing assignments; they may be based on experimental work; or they may involve intensive research activity. These specially designed courses are designated with numbers ending in _82 or _83.

Readers and independent studies may not ordinarily be used to fulfill general education requirements. Students may take no more than one reader or independent study per term and no more than one reader or independent study per year, on average, during the course of their degree programs. Readers and independent studies are to be taken for the same number of credits as are granted similar courses in the discipline in which the reader or independent study is offered. Readers and independent studies may not ordinarily be used to repeat failed courses. Readers and independent studies intended for the major, minor, and cognate are graded under the normal grading mode (A, A-, B+, etc.) unless excepted by the student’s dean; other readers and independent studies usually are graded under the Credit/No Credit grading mode (“CS: Credit Satisfactory” for grades equivalent to C or higher; “CD: Credit Deficiency” for grades equivalent to C-, D+, and D; “NC: No Credit” for grades equivalent to F). Exceptions to these policies must be approved by the dean of the student’s college and by the dean of the school offering the course. The completed Reader and Independent Study forms should be submitted to the Registrar’s Office or the College of Graduate and Continuing Education by the last day to add courses as published in the University academic calendar. A fee of $60 per credit in addition to the normal tuition will be charged. Readers and independent studies are not available to visiting students.

Faculty conducting independent study courses will provide the dean’s office with a copy of the syllabus, reading lists, and examinations used in the independent study. Normally, faculty are limited to mentoring no more than two students per semester in any combination of readers, independent studies, and honors tutorials. Exceptions to this limitation can be made by the Dean for programmatic reasons or in response to course cancellations.

Enrollment Status and Attendance Policy

To be considered a full-time student, undergraduate students must be registered for at least 12 credits in any given term or semester, regardless of the number of credits remaining to complete degree requirements.

Students are expected to attend all scheduled meetings of courses in which they are enrolled. Students are responsible for all material presented and announcements made during any class. Attendance policies for individual courses are determined by the instructor and must be promulgated in writing in the course syllabus.

Final Examination Conflicts

When a student has three or more examinations scheduled on the same day, according to the examination schedule issued by the Registrar’s Office, the student can decide whether to take all three examinations on the same day or to have one rescheduled. If the student wishes to have one of the three examinations rescheduled, the examination with the lowest priority will be rescheduled. Order of priority: (1) major course, (2) cognate course, (3) elective course.

Where a conflict exists between two courses of the same kind (e.g., two cognates or two electives), the more senior professor – in terms of years of service at The University of Scranton – will have first priority.

If a student wishes to reschedule a conflict examination, he/she must advise the faculty member prior to the last week of class. If an appropriate resolution cannot be reached between the student and the faculty member, the student should contact his/her dean.

Grading System

Final grades are determined by faculty for all registered students at the completion of each fall and spring semester, as well as interim terms, according to the grading scheme defined in this section. Final grades are submitted by faculty through the authorized grading system designated by the Registrar’s Office and are recorded on the permanent transcript of academic record for each student. Grades are available to each student through their confidential account in the University Information System (UIS), accessed through the my.scranton portal, after the grade submission deadline published in the academic calendar. Students may also grant third-party access to parents, spouse or others through their UIS accounts.

In addition, freshmen receive mid-semester grades at the mid-point of each fall and spring semester to provide feedback about their performance in their current courses to that point in time. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors receive mid-semester grades only if their performance is deficient (grade of C- or less) to that point in time. Mid-semester grades enable students to gauge if remedial or other actions, such as course withdrawal, are warranted. Mid-semester grades are temporary indications of performance and are not recorded on students’ academic transcripts.

Primary Grades

Additional Grading Codes

Audit

Entry of the audit grade (AU) on a transcript assumes satisfactory attendance. The student should consult with the instructor as to what constitutes satisfactory attendance. A change to audit can be made only by passing students and before the end of the first half of a semester.

Repeat of Course

Special permission is not needed to repeat courses at The University of Scranton. Recording of grades for repeated courses shall be governed by the following conditions: (1) credit for a course will be granted only once; (2) credit for the course will be lost if the course is repeated and failed; (3) the most recent credit and grade will count toward the grade point average with the exceptions that a W, I, IP, AU or NG grade cannot replace another grade; (4) each attempt to complete a course will be reported on the student’s transcript even though the credits of the earlier attempts do not count in the cumulative grade point average (e.g., a course with a grade of F will continue to appear on the transcript even after the course has been repeated with a passing grade, although the credits from the initial failed attempt will not be used in the calculation of the cumulative GPA).

The earlier attempt or attempts (with the exception of W, I, IP, AU or NG) will be denoted on the transcript by an “E,” meaning that the course grade has been “Excluded” from the earned hours and GPA calculations. The latest attempt (with the exception of W, I, IP, AU or NG) will be denoted on the transcript by an “I,” meaning that the course grade has been “Included” in the earned hours and GPA requirements.

Change of Grade

A student who believes the grade received for a course is unreasonable should first appeal the matter to the professor, whose decision is normally final. The student has the right, however, to appeal to the faculty member’s chairperson, who will make a recommendation in writing to his or her dean. The student may request the dean to review the matter. The decision of the dean is final. Ordinarily, no grade change will be considered unless it has been reviewed by the dean’s office within one month from the time the original grade was available to the student.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

A standard used in judging a student’s performance is the grade point average (GPA). The value of each semester hour of credit earned is determined as follows: a grade of A is valued at 4 quality points; A- at 3.67 quality points; B+ at 3.33; B at 3.00; B- at 2.67; C+ at 2.33; C at 2.00; C- at 1.67; D+ at 1.33; D at 1.00. An F yields no quality points. Thus, for example, a 3-credit course with a grade of A yields 12 quality points; a B yields 9; a C yields 6.

The GPA is computed by dividing the total number of quality points earned by the total of grade point average credit hours. For example, 15 GPA credit hours, all at C grade, would earn 30 Quality Points or a 2.00 GPA (30/15).

The total number of grade point average credit hours includes those courses with final grades of F as well as A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+. C, C-, D+ and D. The grade designations of AU, CD, CR, CS, I, IP, NC, NG, S, W, TC and U do not count toward the GPA. This grade point average applies only to courses taken at The University of Scranton. Grades from other institutions are not computed into students’ grade point average with the exception of those earned at Marywood University through The University of Scranton/Marywood University cross-registration agreement.

A grade point average listing is made at the end of each semester. On the basis of his or her cumulative grade point average, a student’s rank in class and eligibility for Latin honors at graduation are determined. See “Graduation Honors.”

Grades with Distinction

Dean’s List

To be eligible for the Dean’s List, full-time students must earn 12 or more credit hours that count toward the semester GPA (credit hours of AU, CS, CD, I, IP, NG, S and W grades are not counted toward this requirement). Part-time students (students registered for fewer than 12 credits) must earn at least 6 credit hours that count toward the semester GPA to be eligible for the Dean’s List. Of the eligible students, those who earn a 3.50 or higher semester GPA and no grade of D+, D, F, CD, NC, I, NG or U are named to the Dean’s List for that semester. (Note: Honors Program IP grades do not prevent eligibility for Dean’s List.) Students placed on the Dean’s List will have this distinction indicated on their transcripts. A student’s GPA will be recalculated when the last temporary grade (I, NG) is replaced by a final grade. If this new GPA meets the above standard, the student will be placed on the Dean’s List. Dean’s List designations apply to fall and spring semesters only.

Grade Option: “Credit/No Credit”

The “credit/no credit” option is designed to encourage students to take courses of interest but outside their concentrated areas of study. Courses used to fill free elective and free cognate requirements are eligible to be taken with this option. Courses taken under the “credit/no credit” option count toward the accumulated credit hours for the degree, but they are not included in the grade point average calculation.

Students with a cumulative GPA of 2.67 or greater who have accumulated at least 60 credits toward their degree may elect to take some courses on a “credit/no credit” basis. Students may apply for the “credit/no credit” option by seeking approval from their dean’s office and filing the completed forms with the registrar by the end of the second week of the semester (or by the second day of summer sessions and intersession). The option cannot be reversed after the fourth week of class (or the fourth day of summer sessions and intersession). Courses used to fulfill general education requirements, courses in the major and cognate, as well as courses in a minor or concentration, and those used to fulfill requirements in the Honors, SJLA and Business Leadership programs may not be taken under the “credit/no credit” option. Students may take no more than a total of four courses under this option, and no more than one per semester (other than internships, practicums, or physical education courses). Students receive the following transcript notations under the “credit/no credit” option: A grade of C or higher yields a CS (credit satisfactory) notation; a passing grade less than C (C-, D, D+) yields a CD (credit deficiency) notation; a grade less than passing (F) yields an NC (no credit) notation.

Grade Difficulties: Academic Probation and Dismissal

One semester of academic probation is granted to students whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.00, or who otherwise are in danger of dismissal. A second semester of probation is not automatic; students who do not remove themselves from probation after one semester are subject to dismissal, unless excepted by the appropriate dean. Students who receive an F while on probation are also subject to dismissal, as are students who incur two F’s in one semester, or who accumulate three F’s that have not been successfully retaken. Probationary status may be removed through adequate achievement in summer school or intersession at The University of Scranton.

The student’s dean has the option to stipulate the maximum number of credits for which a student may register during the semester while on probation, and this may be less than the maximum of 18 credits which apply under normal conditions. Students on academic probation are ineligible for participation in extra-curricular activities without the written approval of their moderator, academic advisor and dean.

Students placed on academic probation for a second semester may not participate in any extracurricular activity until such time as they are formally removed from academic probation.

University policy prohibits students dismissed from another institution or a college of the University from registering for courses in any of the colleges of the University in the semester following dismissal.

Graduation Procedures and Commencement

The University of Scranton provides the opportunity for students who have completed degree requirements to graduate at one of four points throughout the academic year: summer graduation (graduation date: August 31), fall graduation (graduation date: December 31), intersession graduation (graduation date: January 31), or spring graduation (graduation date coincides with the annual Commencement exercise). Commencement exercises are held once each academic year at the conclusion of the spring semester; the date is published in the official University academic calendar. Normally students who are certified to graduate in the summer, fall, intersession or spring may participate in Commencement.

Certification of graduation, receipt of a degree, and permission to participate in Commencement are not automatic. Seniors expecting to complete degree requirements in time for spring graduation must make formal application through the Registrar’s Office or the College of Graduate and Continuing Education by February 15. Students who are expecting to complete degree requirements for summer, fall or intersession graduation must make formal application a minimum of four weeks prior to the end of the appropriate term.

Walker Policy

Undergraduates who are within 6 academic credits of fulfilling all graduation requirements and are in good academic and disciplinary standing may request to “walk” at Commencement in the spring. They must present to their dean a plan to complete their remaining credits at The University of Scranton during the summer or fall sessions and receive the dean’s approval. Students may not participate in a second commencement upon completion of all degree requirements.

Graduation Honors

To be eligible for graduation and for Latin honors at Commencement, a baccalaureate degree student must have completed a minimum of 63 credit hours of course work at The University of Scranton. Note: Latin honors are based upon a student’s final undergraduate cumulative GPA at the completion of the baccalaureate degree program.

• Summa cum laude: 3.85 cumulative GPA with a minimum of 45 credits counting in the GPA
• Magna cum laude: 3.65 cumulative GPA with a minimum of 45 credits counting in the GPA
• Cum laude: 3.50 cumulative GPA with a minimum of 45 credits counting in the GPA

Interruptions in Attendance: Leaves of Absence and Complete Withdrawal

Leave of Absence

Students may request their dean’s approval for a leave of absence by completing and submitting the Complete Withdrawal/Leave of Absence Form available from the Registrar’s Office, academic advising centers, academic department chairperson offices, and the College of Graduate and Continuing Education. Graduation requirements in effect for students at the time their approved leave begins will remain in effect when they return from their leave under the following conditions:

• They are in good academic and disciplinary standing at The University when their leave begins.
• They may not take courses at another institution without first securing written approval from their dean.
• Their leave is limited to one semester but may be renewed for one additional semester with the written permission of their dean.
• They place their addresses and phone numbers on file in the Registrar’s Office (or, for CGCE students, the College of Graduate and Continuing Education) and promptly report any address/phone number changes to that office.
• They understand that this policy does not bind The University to offer their curricula or major programs, which may have been discontinued or substantially altered during their leave of absence.

Students who interrupt their education without an approved leave of absence must apply for readmission and will be subject to the catalog requirements in effect at the time of readmission. Students on an approved leave of absence must apply for readmission but retain the same requirements they had when they matriculated if their leaves do not extend beyond a year.

Military Leave Policy

If a student is called or volunteers for active military duty while attending The University of Scranton, the University will do its best to protect the academic and financial interest of the student within the norms of good academic judgment. The student must meet with the dean of his/her college and provide proof of being called to active duty. The dean, after conferring with the director of financial aid, the treasurer, the student’s current faculty, and the student, will decide the course of action. The dean will then process the necessary paperwork and place the student on military leave status. If the student does not concur with the dean’s decision, the student may appeal to the provost/vice president for academic affairs. The student is responsible for all room and board and related expenses incurred. Deans must confer with the Financial Aid and Treasurer’s Offices before making decisions regarding refunds.

Complete Withdrawal from the University

Students wishing to drop or withdraw from all of their courses, thereby discontinuing their enrollment, must secure their dean’s permission to withdraw from The University. Students should also discuss any questions with their advisor or department chairperson. The form for withdrawal may be obtained in the Registrar’s Office, the academic advising centers, academic department chairpersons’ offices, or the College of Graduate and Continuing Education. University withdrawal is not official until all signatures required on the Complete Withdrawal/Leave of Absence Form have been obtained and the form is submitted to the Registrar’s Office or, in the case of CGCE students, to the College of Graduate and Continuing Education.

Any tuition refund will be determined by the official date of University withdrawal. No grades for the term will be recorded on the student’s academic record if the official University withdrawal date is on or before the last day for 25% tuition refund or the last day to drop courses according to the official University academic calendar. Grades of W will be recorded for course work if the official University withdrawal date coincides with the course withdrawal period. Final grades will be recorded for course work if the official withdrawal date is after the course withdrawal period for the term.

Readmission to the University

A student who fails to enroll for a semester without an approved leave of absence must apply for readmission to The University and, if accepted, will need to satisfy the catalog requirements in effect at the time of readmission. Students on an approved leave of absence must apply for readmission but retain the same requirements they had when they matriculated if their leaves do not extend beyond a year.

University policy prohibits students dismissed from another institution or a college of the University from registering for courses in any of the colleges of the University in the semester following dismissal.

A student must apply for readmission to the University through the college in which the intended program of study is housed. The dean of that college (i.e., the readmitting dean) will confer with the student’s dean of last attendance at the University, if different from the readmitting dean, to review the student’s eligibility status for readmission to the University, and/or review a transcript and the student’s file in the Registrar’s Office or the College of Graduate and Continuing Education. The readmitting dean may confer with Student Affairs about any disciplinary or mental health issues that might preclude readmission, and if the student was on medical leave, may also require documentation from the health-care provider that the student may now resume their studies.

If the student is requesting readmission into a program other than the one of her/his last attendance, the readmitting dean will confer with the department chair or director of the program to which the student is requesting readmission, when there are program-specific admission requirements. If the student attended another college or university subsequent to her/his last attendance at the University, the student must submit an official transcript from that institution to the readmitting dean before that dean will render a decision on readmission.

The dean will render a decision and inform the student and Registrar’s Office. If the dean renders a decision to readmit the student, that official transcript will then be forwarded to the Registrar’s Office or the College of Graduate and Continuing Education for analysis/determination of transfer credit acceptable toward the intended program of study. Pre-permission to take courses elsewhere is valid only if the student continues in the same program, and if there have been no significant curricular changes mandated by relevant certification bodies in the interim that would affect the transfer credit. Transfer courses would need to be reevaluated upon readmission if the student switches programs.

Academic Renewal Policy Upon Readmission

Students who have not attended the University for at least five calendar years may request academic renewal. At the time of readmission, students seeking academic renewal must complete an academic renewal form and may petition their Dean to have up to 16 credit hours of deficient grades removed from their grade point averages (GPA). The deficient courses and their grades will remain on the transcript; they will, however, be excluded from the GPA and earned hours and will not count toward graduation requirements. The courses with excluded grades on the transcript will be designated with an E, and the transcript key will explain that E means the course grade has been excluded from the GPA and earned hours, yielding an amended GPA. A comment also will be added to the transcript indicating that the student received academic renewal and the date.

Transferring Credits from Other Institutions Once Matriculating at The University of Scranton

Matriculating students in good academic and disciplinary standing at The University of Scranton can transfer in a maximum of 10% of the total credits in their program. Transfer students from another institution will be limited to a maximum of 10% of the total credits remaining in their program from the initial point of University of Scranton matriculation. All students must complete at least 63 credits at The University of Scranton, including the last 30 credits.

University of Scranton students who have completed their sophomore year (60 credits) are permitted to take courses at other four-year, regionally accredited institutions. Those who have not completed their sophomore year may be approved for courses at two-year or four-year regionally accredited institutions. Grades below C (2.00 in a 4.00 grading system) received elsewhere are not transferable to The University of Scranton; no grades from other institutions are computed into the student’s grade point average. Transfer credit will be awarded only upon receipt of an official transcript from the transfer institution.

Students must secure the permission of their dean to take courses at another institution. Students may not ordinarily take a course at another institution if they have failed the same course at The University of Scranton; however, exceptions to this policy can be made by the student’s dean. Students may get credit for a course only once, regardless of where completed, toward degree requirements, with the exception of some special topics courses if approved.

Online Courses

Many courses at the University require that students have access to a computer and the Internet for assignments, research, discussion groups, etc. The University provides each student with an account number and there are computer labs on campus for student use.

In addition, a number of faculty are using Angel to support or to teach the entire course. Angel is the standard university Web-courseware tool that enables an instructor to supplement a course with online materials and activities, or to deliver a course solely online. Angel contains modules for announcements, course documents, online tests/quizzes, discussion board, chat and assignments.

At The University of Scranton, Angel is also used to deliver courses solely online. The class documents are posted on the web and the students are responsible for submitting the assignments using the provided tools in Angel. There are virtual office hours via the chat room when the instructor can communicate with one or several students simultaneously.

To find out more about Angel, the computer equipment you need, and what you need to know before taking an online course, visit The University’s Angel page located at www.scranton.edu/angel.

Student Rights and Confidentiality of Information

The University of Scranton recognizes the privacy rights of individuals who are or who have been students, as guaranteed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. No information from educational records, files, or other data directly related to a student shall be disclosed to individuals or agencies outside The University without the express written consent of the student. Except where prescribed by law, information regarding a student’s education record may not be disclosed to a parent, guardian or spouse without the student’s written authorization on file in the Office of the Registrar or in the College of Graduate and Continuing Education.

FERPA does authorize the University to disclose information without consent to school officials with legitimate educational interests who need to review an education record in order to fulfill their professional responsibilities. The following people or agencies are also allowed access to records without consent: persons or companies with whom The University has contracted (such as attorneys, auditors or collection agents); students serving on official committees (such as disciplinary or grievance committees) or assisting school officials in performing their tasks; persons or organizations to whom students have applied for financial aid; persons in compliance with a lawful subpoena or court order; and persons in an emergency in order to protect the health or safety of students or other persons.

The University considers the following to be public information that may be made available, at its discretion, without prior consent of the student:

• Name
• Former name(s)
• Address (local and permanent)
• Telephone number (campus/local and permanent)
• Date and place of birth
• Photograph
• Major field of study
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• E-mail address
• Dates of attendance
• Enrollment status
• Campus employment
• Class level
• Expected/actual date of graduation
• Degrees, awards, academic honors
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams

Students who wish to prevent the public disclosure of any or all the above information may complete and submit a request to the Office of Student Affairs, Registrar’s Office or the College of Graduate and Continuing Education (graduate and adult undergraduate students). Request forms are available from any of the preceding offices.

A directory of names, addresses and telephone numbers of students is promulgated by The University at the beginning of the fall semester. Students who do not wish to be listed in the campus directory must notify the University by the end of the first week of classes in the fall semester.

FERPA affords students the right to inspect and review their educational records within 45 days of the day The University receives such requests. Students should submit to the Registrar or other appropriate official written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. University officials will make arrangements for access and notify requesting students of the time and place where their records may be inspected.

Students have the right to request the amendment of any educational records that they believe are inaccurate or misleading. They should write to the University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record that they want changed, and specify why they believe it is inaccurate or misleading. If The University decides not to amend the records as requested, The University will notify students of the decision and advise them of their right to appeal the decision and the process that must be undertaken to do so.

For more information regarding FERPA, please contact the Office of the Registrar, Room 301, St. Thomas Hall. Students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by The University of Scranton to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202-4605.

In addition, The University of Scranton complies with the Student Right-to-Know Act by providing graduation rate information to current and prospective students upon request. Graduation rate information may be obtained by contacting the Registrar’s Office or the Office of Admissions.

Degree Programs

The University offers the following degree programs for the undergraduate student. Consult departmental listings for details.

Major

Bachelor of Arts

Classical Studies, BA 
Communication, BA 
English, BA 
French and Francophone Cultural Studies, BA (visit World Language and Cultures majors, BA )
German Cultural Studies, BA (visit World Language and Cultures majors, BA )
Hispanic Studies, BA (visit World Language and Cultures majors, BA )
History, BA 
Individualized Major 
International Language-Business, BA 
Latin American Studies, BA 
Philosophy, BA 
Theatre, BA 
Theology/Religious Studies, BA 
Women’s Studies, BA 

Bachelor of Science

Accounting, BS 
Biochemistry, BS 
Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, BS 
Biology, BS 
Biomathematics, BS 
Biophysics, BS 
Business Administration, BS 
Chemistry, BS 
Chemistry-Business, BS 
Chemistry-Computers, BS 
Community Health Education, BS 
Computer Engineering, BS 
Computer Information Systems, BS 
Computer Science, BS 
Counseling and Human Services, BS 
Criminal Justice, BS 
Early and Primary Teacher Education, BS 
Economics, BS (CAS) 
Economics, BS (KSOM) 
Electrical Engineering, BS 
Electronic Commerce, BS 
Electronics-Business, BS 
Environmental Science, BS 
Exercise Science, BS 
Finance, BS 
Forensic Chemistry, BS 
Health Administration, BS 
Human Resources Studies, BS 
Individualized Major 
International Business, BS 
International Studies, BS 
Liberal Studies, BS *
Management, BS 
Marketing, BS 
Mathematics, BS 
Media and Information Technology, BS 
Medical Technology, BS 
Middle Level Teacher Education, BS 
Neuroscience, BS 
Nursing, BS 
Occupational Therapy †
Operations Management, BS 
Physics, BS 
Political Science, BS 
Psychology, BS 
Secondary Education, BS 
Sociology, BS 

Associate in Arts*

Associate in Science*

Business, AS 
Computer Engineering, AS 
Computer Information Systems, AS 
Counseling and Human Services, AS 
Criminal Justice, AS 
Electrical Engineering, AS 
Health Administration, AS 
Sociology, AS 

Minors

Minors, which require a minimum of 15 hours, are currently available in the following fields. Courses counted toward a major may not be counted toward the first 15 credits of a minor. However, courses counted toward a cognate or general education courses may be used to fulfill minor requirements.

Accounting Minor 
Accounting Information Systems Minor 
Art History Minor 
Biochemistry Minor 
Biology Minor 
Chemistry Minor 
Coaching Minor 
Communication Minor 
Computer Information Systems Minor 
Computer Science Minor 
Counseling and Human Services Minor 
Criminal Justice Minor 
Economics Minor (CAS) 
Economics Minor (KSOM) 
Electronic Commerce Minor 
English Minor 
Finance Minor 
General Business Minor 
Health Administration Minor 
History Minor 
Human Resources Studies Minor 
International Studies Minor 
Leadership Minor 
Management Minor 
Mathematics Minor 
Music History Minor 
Operations Management Minor 
Philosophy Minor 
Physics Minor 
Political Science Minor 
Psychology Minor 
Sociology Minor 
Theatre Minor 
Theology/Religious Studies Minor 
World Languages and Cultures minors 
Writing Minor 

Concentrations

A concentration is a defined curricular program of study offered through the collaboration of faculty from two or more academic departments or disciplines. A concentration requires a minimum of 15 credit hours. Opportunities for concentrations are described in the departmental sections.

Asian Studies Concentration 
Catholic Studies Program 
Environmental Studies Concentration 
Human Development Program 
Italian Studies Concentration 
Judaic Studies Concentration 
Latin American Studies Concentration 
Nutrition Studies Concentration 
Peace and Justice Studies Program 
Women’s Studies Concentration 

* Available through the College of Graduate and Continuing Education only.

† Students entering the Occupational Therapy program will earn a B.S. in Health Sciences after completing the first four years of a five-year program and a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy after completion of the fifth year.

Special Programs

Accelerated Master’s Degree and Combined Baccalaureate/Master’s Degree Programs

Undergraduate students of the University with outstanding undergraduate records may apply for early admission to a master’s degree program through either the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program or Combined Baccalaureate/Master’s Degree Program. An undergraduate student who plans to go on to graduate study in Community Counseling, Health Administration, Human Resources, Nursing, Rehabilitation Counseling, School Counseling, or numerous programs in the field of Education may be eligible for admission to the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program. This program allows an undergraduate student who has an excellent academic record, to complete requirements for the baccalaureate, while also enrolling in graduate courses. Departments may allow some graduate coursework to satisfy undergraduate degree requirements (not to exceed 12 credit hours). The student’s undergraduate advisor, in consultation with the graduate program director, will recommend graduate coursework which will meet undergraduate requirements.  

An undergraduate student who plans to go on to graduate study in Accounting, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or Software Engineering, may be eligible for admission to the Combined Baccalaureate/Master’s Degree Program. This program allows an undergraduate student already enrolled in one of these fields, and who has an excellent academic record, to complete requirements for the baccalaureate, while also electing graduate courses.  Departments participating in this program allow some graduate work to satisfy undergraduate degree requirements (not to exceed 12 credit hours). In participating undergraduate departments, the student’s advisor will recommend the undergraduate coursework for which graduate credits may be substituted. The Combined Baccalaureate/Master’s Degree student will be expected to complete his/her baccalaureate degree the same semester as he/she completes the master’s degree. Often, the student entering the Combined Baccalaureate/Master’s Degree Program will complete both programs during a five-year time period.

For more information, see College of Graduate and Continuing Education .

Doctoral Program

The University offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy. This online degree program is offered to all qualified, master’s-educated physical therapists. Further information is available in the Graduate Studies Catalog.

Double Major

Students at the end of the first semester of freshman year or thereafter may elect to pursue a second field of concentration in addition to their first major. Students must secure written permission from the appropriate dean and the two pertinent departmental chairs. Students pursuing a second major are required to complete all major and required cognate courses and any general education courses that are explicitly required as part of the second major. The remainder of the credits in the General Education area need not be repeated. Except for double majors involving education and a content area, a second major will not be awarded for fewer than 18 credits in the second field that are not counted as part of the first major. Students completing double majors receive only one degree and diploma.

Faculty/Student Research Program

The Faculty/Student Research Program (FSRP) gives students an opportunity to be involved in faculty research. Students in all fields may participate. They engage in a variety of activities ranging from relatively routine tasks to more sophisticated research.

There are no fees for the FSRP; the program is open to all students in good academic standing including incoming freshmen. While students do not receive academic credit, they do receive transcript recognition.

To participate in the program, students must identify a faculty sponsor with whom they want to work. This can be done either by talking to individual faculty members directly about their research interests or by consulting the FSRP Directory, which includes information on research projects and any student prerequisites. When a student and faculty member agree to work together, they complete a learning contract that outlines the nature of the research, the tasks involved and the hours to be worked. The contract must be completed each semester that a student participates in the FSRP.

For further information about this program, contact the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, (570) 941-6301 or libassie2@scranton.edu.

Fellowship Programs

The Office of Fellowship Programs, located in St. Thomas 312, assists students preparing to make application for national and international awards, including, among others, the Truman, Mellon, James Madison, National Science Foundation, Goldwater, Soros, Churchill, Marshall, and Rhodes Scholarships. The University Director of Fellowship Programs advises students with outstanding academic records in the identification of appropriate fellowships and scholarships. Members of the Matteo Ricci Society, including the directors of the Undergraduate Honors Program, the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Program, and the Business Leadership Program, as well as the faculty advisors for the Truman, Goldwater, Fulbright, and National Science Foundation, provide guidance and support to the Fellowships Office.

International Education

In fulfillment of our mission as a Catholic and Jesuit institution, The University of Scranton is committed to building a diverse international institution that serves the needs of an increasingly interdependent global community. We strive to create a welcoming and richly diverse campus with a strong commitment to international education and fellowship of the human family.

The University of Scranton has a solid international education record. To date, nearly 1,500 University students from nearly every major have studied in 53 countries and on every continent but Antarctica. Our faculty, administrators and staff hold degrees from 135 different universities in 26 countries on five continents. International students have been attending he University since 1946. At present, students from 30 different countries are enrolled in either the undergraduate or graduate schools.

International Programs and Services Mission Statement

The International Programs and Services (IPS) office promotes the University’s mission by facilitating the integration and acculturation of international students and scholars, as well as by promoting initiatives such as study abroad, scholar exchanges, international internships, global partnerships and service learning programs. Reaching out to the entire campus community our services are designed to encourage and foster understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, as well as to help prepare our students for successful participation and leadership in a global society. We invite you to visit us to learn more about how we are building bridges to promote intercultural understanding, global competency and fellowship in our interconnected world.

Studying Abroad

The University of Scranton provides opportunities for students to continue their studies at other universities around the world. IPS provides one-stop shopping for students interested in studying abroad. The office encourages students who have an interest in gaining global experiences to stop by early and often in their academic career. Experts will help students identify study abroad options, provide academic advising, process applications, and provide comprehensive pre-departure services.

The University works closely with institutions around the world and is committed to working with the individual student to identify the study abroad site that is best for them. In many cases, adjusted financial aid packages and University of Scranton scholarships may be used while studying abroad.

International Students and Scholars

IPS ensures the smooth integration and adjustment of international students and scholars into the University community; ensures compliance with immigration regulations for the University; facilitates relocation of international students and scholars to the Scranton area; provides guidance, counseling and mentoring; and creates opportunities for international students and scholars to become valued and productive members of the community.

International Programming

IPS sponsors a variety of internationally focused activities and programs during the academic year such as International Education Week and International Women’s Week. Faculty and student discussion groups that focus on pressing global issues and events are held in the IPS International Center. Additionally, IPS hosts weekly language and culture sessions designed to give students and faculty the opportunity to develop new linguistic skills or hone the language they have. IPS also sponsors a Family Friendship Program that connects international students with families in the local community. Through the Global Ambassador Program, American students who have studied abroad and international students visit classrooms in local schools and the University to discuss aspects of their experiences and culture.

Internship Programs

The University’s commitment to internships as an integral part of the educational process is strong. Internships give students opportunity to reflect upon, analyze and critique their experiences in ways that demonstrate their ability to integrate what they have learned in the classroom with what they are learning in the field.

Credit-bearing internships are available to students in many majors. For specific information on such internships, students should contact their academic advisors to complete an internship application, which includes a set of clearly defend objectives, internship responsibilities and an assessment plan. Credit-bearing internships are co-supervised by a faculty member and an on-site supervisor.

Non–credit-bearing internships are also available. They are less structured and do not necessarily relate to specific course work. Students wishing to participate in the non–credit-bearing career Experience Program should contact Career Services at (570) 941-7640 to schedule an appointment with a counselor.

Second Degrees

Persons with good scholastic records and baccalaureate degrees from regionally accredited institutions, who wish to earn second baccalaureate degrees, must apply to the College of Graduate and Continuing Education.

Academic Service Learning

The Panuska College of Professional Studies, in keeping with the mission of this University, is committed to a program of service-learning, which provides a link between civic engagement and academic study. The University received that recognition in both curricular engagement and outreach and partnerships. Service learning is integrated into and enhances students’ academic curriculum by providing structured time for students to reflect on the service experience. The service experience is an effective strategy for achieving enrichment and introducing the student to the academic, social and civic needs of diverse groups of people. Through this program, students in the Panuska College of Professional Studies complete service-learning experiences as a requirement for graduation.

Several courses in the College of Arts and Sciences also include a service-learning requirement.

The University as a whole received recognition of its service-learning accomplishments with the classification by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a Community Engagement institution.

Special Sessions

The University of Scranton annually offers Intersession in January and several summer sessions to allow students to accelerate their degree programs or to make up courses that may not have been completed during the regular semesters.

Student/Faculty Teaching Mentorship Program

The Student/Faculty Teaching Mentorship Program offers advanced students the opportunity to assist and be mentored by faculty in the teaching of selected courses. Together, they will craft the mentoring experiences that best fit the pedagogical requirements of the relevant course.

There is no fee assessed for this non-credit experience. While students do not receive academic credit or a grade, they do receive transcript recognition. The program is open to all undergraduate and graduate students in good academic standing.

For more information about the program, please contact the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, 5th Floor, Harper-McGinnis Wing, St. Thomas Hall, (570) 941-4038.

Three-Year Bachelor’s Degree

The University of Scranton’s curriculum and academic calendar allow qualified students to attain their bachelor’s degrees within three years – thus considerably reducing the overall cost of their undergraduate education and allowing the student to enter the marketplace or begin graduate and professional studies a year earlier. While Advanced Placement credits are very useful for this, a student who does not bring these from high school may still complete the degree program in most majors within three years through the use of January intersession courses and/or summer-school sessions. The presumption is that normal academic progress is being made. Typically, two summer schools (12 credits each) and two or three January intersessions will suffice. Especially qualified students may be allowed overloads from the appropriate dean to further reduce this – as will Advanced Placement credits. The dean should be contacted as early as possible in a student’s career in order to facilitate the needed scheduling. Entering freshman students may want to use the summer school immediately following their high school graduation to further this three-year program; the Director of Admissions should be consulted with respect to this. Details on the special Scranton Preparatory/University Seven Year (4-3) High School-College Degree Program are available from the Dean of Studies at Scranton Preparatory.

University of Scranton/Marywood University Cross-Registration

Full-time undergraduate students who are in good standing and have completed 30 credits at The University of Scranton may take two Marywood University courses (equivalent to 6 credits) during the calendar year (January to December) on a space-available basis and with the approval of their advisor and dean. Part-time students who are in good academic standing and have completed 30 credits at The University of Scranton may take one Marywood course for every five Scranton courses, for a maximum of six Marywood courses, on a space-available basis and with the approval of their advisor and dean.